Macmillan Cancer Support comments on latest Breast Cancer Care survey

13 April 2015

Today [Monday 13th] Breast Cancer Care has released new figures which reveal that almost a fifth of women with breast cancer wait more than a month before seeing their GP about a breast symptom. Responding to the findings, Dr Fran Woodard, Director of Policy and Research at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:

“It is really worrying that many women may not realise how serious some of their signs and symptoms for breast cancer are and wait too long before seeing their GP. We know that people who are diagnosed early have a better chance of surviving cancer and having fewer long-term complications. That’s why it is crucial that people recognise the symptoms for cancer and seek help as soon as possible.

“UK cancer survival rates currently trail behind much of Europe. If we are serious about bridging this gap we need to address issues such as early diagnosis as a matter of urgency. As well as helping people to recognise cancer symptoms, we must also support GPs to make timely referrals and ensure people are tested as quickly as possible.

“The general election is now weeks away - this is no time for complacency. Macmillan Cancer Support is calling on all political parties to make cancer a top priority and commit to delivering cancer outcomes that match the best in Europe by the end of the next parliament.”

For further information, please contact:

Cora Bauer, Senior Media and PR Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support

0207 091 2016 (out of hours 07801 307068)

cbauer@macmillan.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

About Macmillan Cancer Support

When you have cancer, you don’t just worry about what will happen to your body, you worry about what will happen to your life. Whether it’s concerns about who you can talk to, planning for the extra costs or what to do about work, at Macmillan we understand how a cancer diagnosis can take over everything.

That’s why we’re here. We provide support that helps people take back control of their lives. But right now, we can’t reach everyone who needs us. We need your help to make sure that people affected by cancer get the support they need to face the toughest fight of their life. No one should face cancer alone, and with your support no one will.

To get involved, call 0300 1000 200 today. And please remember, we’re here for you too. If you’d like support, information or just to chat, call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.